[ad_1]
Portugal expects the best from Malaysia and Safawi Rasid reveals in this exclusive interview the motivation behind the transfer of JDT to Portimonense SC.
Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) secured his seventh consecutive Malaysian Super League title on Friday, his first within the confines of Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, but the retention of the title also had emotional significance for one player in particular.
In the 4-1 win over Sabah, which gave JDT an impregnable lead over Perak, Safawi Rasid scored twice, including a goal from long range that he celebrated by lifting his shirt over his head. In doing so, he revealed a special message written on the top inside: “I will miss the JDT family.”
Safawi quickly followed up that goal with a second for him and the fourth of the JDT match that could become his last Super League appearance. This is because JDT has announced that Safawi will make the long-awaited step into European football and will join Portuguese Portimonense SC on a one-season loan deal.
Four years ago, Safawi accepted JDT’s courtship to move there from T-Team FC, a decision that has seen him improve by leaps and bounds in his game and now is the right time for him to take another leap forward. A move that will see Safawi go from being a local player in a national league to becoming an import player in a foreign league, one that likely has its fair share of naysayers.
Explaining decision making in this exclusive interview with objective, the 23-year-old is well aware that there will be many skeptics, but is more than determined to prove people wrong.
“When I started playing football, my mentality was that one day I would like to play abroad, to play in Europe. Every day we can see stars play there, so it has always been a dream for me to have the same opportunities as well, “he told Goal.
“It would also have been nice if they moved me to one of the best Asian football countries and I realize that it is a huge leap, but I always have to challenge myself as a footballer to be even better. Everything will be new there for me, from the environment to the climate. I need to adapt quickly in all aspects. As for training, there should be no problem and it is up to me to prove that they were not wrong by signing me.
“I take everything in stride. Back when I moved here to JDT from T-Team, people also wondered if I had what it takes to be in a great club like JDT. Surely people there are wondering the same thing about me, if I am good enough to play in the Portuguese league.
“It won’t be easy, but the onus is on me to make sure I can do my best and make sure the head coach, the media and the fans can see what I can do.”
To do that and to try to prove it to critics, the Malaysian international will have to be essentially better than his current level. A new set of trainers, a different training routine, and a different atmosphere should be used to your advantage – to be a dry sponge and absorb all the new learning and guidance that will be brought to you.
With his current teammates at Nazmi Faiz and Syamer Kutty Abba having previous experiences in Portugal, Safawi has also taken the opportunity to choose his brains and get a good idea of what to expect once there.
“I will have a lot to learn, but I really want to take this whole season opportunity to improve my game, adapt to the higher physical level and different lifestyle compared to what I have known here in Malaysia. I’ve spoken to Nazmi and Syamer, of course. They told me that the game is faster there and everyone is expected to give 100% even in training. What I can do is be prepared from the first training to the last.
“Food is one of the things that people mention as the reason our players return from abroad, but I’m sure there are other factors as well. I’m sure every country has halal food, but of course what’s there will be different from what’s here. Again, it’s about adapting and I’m definitely not going to use that as an excuse. “
As a player, Safawi is a foothold for both his club and the Malaysian national team. A strong-willed player with an insatiable appetite and a will to win. Fans will remember him pushing his team forward and constantly pushing himself to his physical limits, not from a selfish point of view but for the good of the team.
He is a player who is willing to sacrifice his own game if the coach and team require him to play a different role, especially with the national team, as can be seen from his performance on the left rather than his preferred right. More than most, Safawi has made the decision to accept this loan because he does not want his current level to be the limit. He is hungry to be more.
“Moving to JDT has given me the opportunity to learn from experienced quality foreign players, as well as older players, who have been very helpful in my progress as a player. But, as a player, the moment you feel satisfied, you don’t belong in the game. We need to constantly strive to be better, to improve.
That’s where I am. I am not at all satisfied with what I have achieved or with the level of my game. I still have a lot to do and learn from the game. For now, my goal going there is to first find my feet, find the right rhythm, and finally push for a spot in the starting lineup.
“It is an opportunity for me to show a different audience my quality as a footballer and who knows if the next opportunity will come from this loan movement that allows me to extend my stay in Europe,” enthused Safawi.
The door of opportunity is now ajar and it’s up to Safawi to open it wide. For now Portimonense is an incredible springboard and desperate to seize the opportunity with both hands.
